Glimpses of Light and Shadow in the Alley: Two Days in Gion

Day 1 In the early morning, I strolled along Hanamikoji Street in Gion. The cobblestone paths and traditional wooden machiya houses felt like a time tunnel, taking me back to old Kyoto. Traditional teahouses quietly stood on both sides of the street, and occasionally, I could see maiko in kimonos gracefully walking by. At noon, I enjoyed a refined kaiseki meal at a century-old restaurant. The dishes were not only delicious but also looked like works of art. In the afternoon, I visited Kennin-ji Temple, admired the simplicity of the Zen garden, and felt a sense of inner peace and tranquility. As the evening approached, the sunset bathed the streets in a warm glow. I sat by the Kamo River, quietly watching the night scene of Gion unfold. Day 2 On the second day, I chose Kiyomizu-dera Temple as the starting point of my Gion itinerary. The temple was shrouded in morning mist, exuding a spiritual aura. Standing on the Kiyomizu stage and overlooking the panoramic view of Kyoto was truly exhilarating. After descending the mountain, I visited Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. The handcrafted shops in these ancient streets captivated me, and I picked up a few Kyoto-themed souvenirs. In the afternoon, I returned to Gion to attend a traditional dance performance. The elegant movements of the maiko were mesmerizing. Finally, I enjoyed matcha and wagashi at a cozy dessert shop, marking the perfect end to my Gion journey. Gion, with its rich cultural atmosphere and historical charm, added unforgettable memories to my Kyoto trip.